Susan L. Forsberg

Susan Forsberg, 80, died at her home in Colorado Springs on February 27, 2011, surrounded by family and the love of all who knew her. Sue was born on August 24, 1930, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the late Dr. Clarence Bronson and Frances (Houston) Lane. She attended the State University of New York at Oneonta, where she met and fell in love with Oscar Forsberg, who was attending nearby Hartwick College. They were married for 21 years, until the sudden death of Oscar; a loss she felt every day of her life. After years as a mother and homemaker, Sue found herself returning to college to finish her degree in education, later teaching elementary students in New York for two years. An extraordinary teacher, she began a 19-year career teaching in School District 8 after moving to Colorado, and earned her master's degree in education from Colorado College. She is survived by her two daughters; Katherine A. Opal (husband Steven) of Rhode Island, and Jane F. Weeks (husband William) of Fountain, Colorado; her four cherished grandchildren; Michael O. Opal (wife Anne) of Massachusetts, Jason M. Opal (wife Holly) of Montreal, Kaitlin J. Weeks (fiancé Casey Hays) of Denver, Chelsea A. Weeks of Colorado Springs; and her three great grandchildren, who brought her much joy: Hunter, Anya, and Brooke. She is also survived by her beloved sister and brother, Carol Dacre (husband Don Lisenby) of Florida, and William Lane (wife Gayle) of Florida and New York; sister-in-law Karen Boese of New York; and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and close friends. She was predeceased by her husband, her parents, her sister Winifred Painter and brother Bronson Lane, and her dear friend Richard Fuecker. Special gratitude goes to everyone at GoodLife Senior Care, who became like family to Sue, and whose compassion and kindness made it possible for her to stay in her own home. Sue loved wearing funny hats, celebrating holidays, receiving flowers, reading books, dancing, and enjoying chocolate. Most of all, though, she loved her family, whom she always encouraged to "stop and smell the roses," and who knew what a privilege it was to share her life. A memorial service will be held Thursday March 17 at 11:00 a.m. at Swan-Law Funeral Directors. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or a charity of the giver's choice,